News for Restaurants in San Diego July 2014 Archive

Rare Form has opened its doors in the East Village, next to Stone Brewing Tap Room by Petco Park. The deli and bar combo is the brainchild of CH Projects, the group behind Craft & Commerce, Neighborhood and Underbelly. Expect creative cocktails, groovy design and casual bites from chef Aldo Negrete, formerly of Whisknladle. Rare Form, 795 J St., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-255-6507.

Arturo Kassel and Ryan Johnston of Whisknladle Hospitality will open their Italian Coastal restaurant, Catania, in early 2015. Inspired by a road trip through Italy, Catania is the newest concept for this restarateur duo, who are also behind Whisknladle and Prepkitchen Del Mar. Designed by Bluemotif Architecture, the space will occupy 3,750 square feet on the top floor of La Plaza, which once housed Jack's La Jolla. Catania, La Plaza, 7863 Girard Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037, no phone.

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"The Hundred-Foot Journey" Film Opens August 8 From Lasse Hallström, director of "Chocolat," "The Hundred-Foot Journey" opens in theaters on August 8, 2014. Helen Mirren stars alongside Om Puri, Manish Dayal and Charlotte Le Bon in this lighthearted tale of love and food set in the South of France. Read the full film review on GAYOT's blog

Chef Javier Plascencia to Open Eatery in Little ItalyFamed Baja chef Javier Plascencia has announced that he will open a restaurant on Kettner in Little Italy later in 2014. Plascencia, known for his string of successful eateries like Mision 19 in Tijuana, Finca Altozano in Guadalupe Valley (80 miles south of San Diego) and Romesco in Bonita (south of San Diego), will now bring his talents to downtown area. The casual restaurant will serve Modern Mexican cuisine that features street food and dishes influenced by his existing restaurants. An opening date has not be announced, but look for the restaurant at 1490 Kettner Boulevard.

Chef Shuffle

Executive chef Greg Fry has left BlueFire Grill at the Omni La Costa Resort. A replacement for the resort's signature restaurant has not been named, but for now the menu remains the same, featuring farm-to-table, seasonal Califonia Cuisine. Fry has taken on a new position at the Golden Door. BlueFire Grill, Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92009, 760-438-9111.

With the departure of Nicolas Bour from Rancho Bernardo Inn, a new culinary team has been set at the rustic property. A young and passionate chef, originally from Argentina, Tomás Baistrocchi has taken over as chef de cuisine. Baistrocchi worked under Bour and has a stellar background with stints at Fearrington House Restaurant and Inn and other fine restaurants. Executive chef Carissa Giacalone will oversee all culinary operations and banquets for the hotel. Previously, she worked at the Hilton Bayfront. The cuisine at AVANT continues to be seasonal California fare that's ingredient-driven and fresh from the garden. AVANT, Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., San Diego, CA 92128, 858-675-8550.

Chef Sam Burman has landed as chef de cuisine at The Grant Grill in the historic US Grant Hotel downtown. After 10 years naviagting the Chicago culinary scene, Burman came to San Diego and served as executive chef at Quality Social, and then as corporate chef at Whisknladle Hospitality, where he spent two and a half years overseeing the success of both Whisknladleand Prepkitchen Del Mar’s culinary programs with chef Ryan Johnston. Burman plans to showcase the flavors of the hotel's rooftop garden in his seasonal dishes, which include veal sweetbreads with Andy’s Orchard cherries, shaved celery and blue cheese, as well as a fresh hamachi starter with spiced corn, sea asparagus, finger lime and peppadew pepper purée. The Grant Grill, The US Grant, 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, 619-744-2077.